SJU Dragon Boat to support outreach at Old St. Joe's

Hey Tom - how goes it? Can you do me favor and include the below in what you send out in your next ' World According To 44 ' and set it up as reminders in future 44 Blogs.

'81 Hawk

I would be a fool not to want to go down to the banks of the Schuykill and hang in the "Athletes' Village"!!!

For those who wish to help out with the homeless served by those at Old St. Joe's writing a check is only one way to help. #3 below enumerates the other ways you can help by providing the homeless with the necessities of life. Please contact Rich directly if you can lend a hand.

EXTRA, EXTRA, read all about it...

Alumni, students, and friends of Saint Joseph's University are again participating in the Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival and will be raising funds to support the outreach program for the homeless at Old St. Joseph's Church - Philadelphia's Jesuit Parish!

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SATURDAY - 10/3/09 - SAVE THE DATE - CHEER ON THE HAWKS

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You are invited to come down to Fairmount Park (Strawberry Mansion area) to cheer on your SJU Dragon Boat team as they compete in the Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival (view more festival info at ' www.philadragonboatfestival.com '). The Festival is an all day event between 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. with 150 individual teams racing in 3 heats throughout the day. The SJU Dragon Boat team has 30 members who are either alumni, faculty, staff, students, or friends of SJU. The team's first race on 10/3 will be in the Collegiate Challenge with the other 2 teams being the Drexel Dragons and the Drexel Moto Dragons.

On Festival Day, the Hawks will have 2 tents (#'s 161 & 162) in the Festival's Athletes Village and set up along the rivers edge.This year our team is supporting Old St. Joseph's Church - Philadelphia's Jesuit Parish, and in particular Old St. Joseph's Parish Outreach Program which provides homeless men in Old City with meals and essential items.

Here are a few ways you can support the Outreach Program and our SJU Dragon Boat Team:
1) Donations in the form of a check payable to Old Saint Joseph's Church can be mailed to the attention of

Rich Brennan
3816 Berry Avenue
Drexel Hill, PA 19026-3620

Also during the Festival, at our tent site we will have a container set up where cash and/or check contributions can be dropped.

2) SJU Dragon Boat hats and visors are being sold for $20/each with all proceeds going to the Outreach Program. The hats are white with the Flying Hawk over the ' SJU ' on the front of the hat and on the side, Chinese symbols are displayed which translate into ' THE HAWK WILL NEVER DIE '. The visor is also white and has the Chinese symbols displayed on the front of the visor. To order a hat and/or visor, write a check payable to Rich Brennan and mail it to

Rich Brennan

SJU Dragon Boat Hat
3816 Berry Avenue
Drexel Hill, PA 19026-3620

Depending on the demand, hats and visors may be may be available for sale at the festival. See above for photo of the hat.

3) Here's a list of items that the Outreach Program requires for their program. These items are not large in size and we will be collecting these items at our tents for delivery to the program. Plastic bags (like the grocery store & drug store kind) are needed for when lunches are prepared, placed in the bags with water, and distributed. Suggested Food Donations: Peanut butter, grape jelly, small packs of peanut butter crackers, juice boxes, dried lentils (in bags), non-dairy creamer in large containers, sugar in 5 lb bags, coffee; non-food suggestions: men's clothing sizes L, XL, XXL, socks, underwear, shoes, belts, backpacks, tote bags, toiletries: razors, soap, moisturizer, deodorant, toothpaste & brushes.

Thank you in advance for your support !!!

Rich Brennan SJU '81
SJU Dragon Boat Team Captain
Email: rbrennan53@comcast.net
Cell Phone: 610-416-7013

SE Brothers...

WHO RANG THOSE BELLS?

JamJeb heroes for $200 Alex...

Tony and Jerry with Sr. Georgette Lehmuth, OSF, president of the National Catholic Development Conference, and with Karen and Greg McCarthy from the The Loyola Foundation.

Jerry Cutinha, SJ, S. Tony Raj, SJ and Joe Lacey, SJ concelebrated Mass at St. Alphonsus Rodriguez Parish in Woodstock, Maryland.

Fathers Tony and Jerry with the sisters of JamJeb John Guidera, SJ / with 6th Man & 44.

Thank you very much Tom for coming all the way from Philly. I was very kind of you and John. Thanks a lot for all the support that you and your friends give to Jamshedpur Jesuits. We all Jam men appreciate it very much.

It was great experiencing the universality of the Society and the Church.. I have great stories to tell to your great friends over there in Lupungutu - Greg, Martin, Bene Kichingia.

Thanks,

AMDG Jesu Marang.

Jerry Cutinha, SJ


No sweat Jerry -- but it was John and I on the receiving end of grace.

Every moment spent with these guys will bring you closer to God. I consider the Jams Jesuits to be my brothers and will do anything I can to help them. I've included Fr. Jerry's homily from Sunday, and while it is self-explanatory I will add some back story...

The Maryland Jesuits took over for the Belgium Jesuits soon after World War II and Indian independence from Great Britain. What they've accomplished, under very difficult circumstances, is nothing short of amazing. The tradition has now been passed on to the Jamshedpur Province, and they are continuing to do a wonderful job there -- all for the greater glory of God.

My friends there are what one might call an anomaly in today's world. Walking anachronisms. Men of high intellect and strong faith who dedicated themselves to the Society of Jesus, and they all speak at least five languages. Men who as Catholics are in the extreme minority in a country dominated by Hinduism -- yet it is the Jesuits who educate a majority of the Indian leaders -- as well as those of the lower castes. Men who work in the some of the most difficult environments.

The crimson portion of Jerry's homily is highlighted for a reason. Khadhamal, Orissa was the site of Christian persecutions last year; rapes, destruction of churches and private property, forced re-conversion to Hinduism. (Jesuit speaks of violence in India) The utter destruction of villages while the Indian central government did nothing. Fr. Tony was in Khandhamal (Jesuit Contribution to Orissa Peace Building Process), the entire time, and posed as a doctor so he could stay with his people. So when Jerry, who housed the candidates in Lupungutu who had to be evacuated from Orissa, talks about 30% of the Jesuits in the province volunteering to start a new province in Orissa -- realize that they are volunteering to go into harm's way. This is not like taking a job in Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago or Los Angeles. This is taking a job where there exists a probability of becoming a martyr for the Faith. As Christians the Jesuits detest the centuries old caste system, and by embracing and preaching to the Dahlits and tribals and have-nots they have not only brought them to Christ but have drastically improved their standard of living and educational levels as well -- much to the chagrin of other tribes who did not embrace Catholicism and are envious of their success.

When we met at St. Joseph's Prep two weeks ago to kick around some fundraising ideas I asked Tony and Jerry if there was any thought of, perhaps in a small way, of watering down the whole Catholic/Jesuit message in order to raise money from the non-Catholic majority in India. I asked the question knowing the dangers that these guys face on a daily basis. His answer: ABSOLUTELY NOT. Amen Fr. Tony. They are Jesuits, people know what the Jesuits are all about, and no the Jamshedpur Jesuits would not think of watering down the message of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.

One doesn't have to look to Hollywood or Bollywood to find superheroes anymore. Currently there are 272 of them to look up to, and they live in Jamshedpur. They don't have capes, rarely wear Roman collars, and aren't nearly as tall -- but they all have SJ after their last names. And I am privileged to know quite few of them. So the next time someone jokingly queries whether Jesuits are Catholics... answer yes, and then ask if he would like to go to Orissa and help them out. If he balks at the suggestion (and he will), he is free to send them a check ;-)

AMDG - Jesu Marang indeed.

Tom Brz (the Fr. Deeney abbreviation)


Jerry & Tony with Joe Lacey, SJ, another Jamshedur Man.


26th Sunday (27 September, 2009)
Readings : Numbers 11.25-29; James 5.1-6; Mark 9.38-43, 45, 47-48

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus,

We are called to be prophets : to announce the good news of God’s deep love for each of us. The first reading from Numbers provides insights into the working of God’s spirit through us. The highlights our tendency to try to define clearly who is a prophet and who can speak on behalf of God. Yet the suggestion in the first and the third readings is that it is our actions that are meaningful and not whether we are part of some inner circle. So who can speak on behalf of God ? We live in times when rich and famous are often portrayed as the blessed. Yet the letter from James suggests the opposite. Anyone who have riches are to use them for the benefit of others - the less fortunate. When we examine Jesus’ words, we realize that our actions are more important than a simple claim to follow Jesus. As followers of Jesus, we are called to bring blessing to others. The life and love we receive from God (the riches and the strengths that God has given us) is intimately connected to our call to be prophets and our life of service in the body of Christ.

Mark’s narrative in today’s gospel is very enlightening. Evidently, the disciples didn’t like that a stranger should do the same welfare work they had been assigned to do. The apostles did not even consider the fact that sick people seemed to be healed and helped. The stranger was an intruder doing their work. And they tried to stop him because “he is not one of us”. Evidently, they wanted to have a monopoly over Jesus’ saving power: no one should perform such works, unless they had first become members of their group. Jesus corrected His disciples’ attitude and defended a totally different approach: the first and most important thing is not the growth of their own group, but that God’s saving help may reach to as many people as possible.

The poet Robert Frost wrote “good fences make good neighbors.” There are good fences and bad fences. Good fences give us a sense of identity, privacy and security. Bad fences divide the world into the good and the bad, the saved and the lost, the haves and the have-nots. Good borders make friends. Bad borders make enemies.

Jesus did not claim monopoly on his message of salvation. He welcomed all who did his work even if they did not belong to his company. We have yet to learn the lesson of the inclusiveness of Christian faith and love. Christ welcomes companions on the road of faith from all races, classes, genders, nationalities, and creeds! Yes, creeds !

We have always lived within borders. For one reason or another, borders have always been important to us. But there are two sides to borders – positive and negative. Borders are often there for security, for protection, and that is positive. The problem with borders, however, is that they can cut us off from the rest of the world, the larger realm of God’s creation. When our borders are taken too seriously, we become provincial, blindly patriotic, and spiritually circumscribed. My borders can become the limits of reality to me.

Today, Tony and I stand before you to celebrate the great pioneers – those great men and women – who believed in good borders, good fences that helped them to leave their own borders of Maryland and the USA and make friends and partners with a nation thousands of miles away, relate to unfamiliar cultures, and invest their time, resources and own lives. We are here to thank God with you for the story began 62 years ago when the 6 Maryland Jesuits who left the borders at the port of New Orleans on 14 November 1947 – the year when India got independence.

Maryland Jesuits (with the support of their families, parishioners, dear ones, and benefactors) who began this narrative, lit a fire in Jamshedpur (India) and it was handed on to Jamshedpur Jesuits in 1956 when Jamshedpur Mission became an independent vice-province and a province in 1983. The seed sown by these pioneers from Maryland has grown into a mighty tree of about 225 Jesuits – young and old, keeping that flame alive and the fire burning. Among these 225 Jesuits are the 7 American born Maryland Jesuits who are still part of Jamshedpur Province – one is an Indian citizen.

A ministry which began as an English medium school in Jamshedpur city (600 kms south of Calcutta in India) has spread into varieties of ministries. In 62 grace filled years Jamshedpur Jesuits have started and are running 32 primary and secondary schools catering to the needs of about 35,000 students. We run 4 institutions of higher education – two of which are nationally acclaimed Management Institutes. We run 3 vocational training centres, 2 formation houses, 3 social action centres, 3 youth organisations, one spirituality centre. We started about 30 parishes and thus saw the creation of Jamshedpur Diocese in 1962. The story does not end there. The fire kindled by the people of Maryland wants to kindle more fires – we are about start a new province / region in the State of Orissa in July 2010.

This is not just a story of the Jamshedpur and Maryland Jesuits – this is our story – the story of all of us gathered here. Yes, the Jesuits went out there and worked - but the without the support of the people of Maryland – the families, the dear ones and the benefactors of the Jesuits worked or visited Jamshedpur, this enormous work would not have been possible. The Jesuits’ work and your support made a tremendous difference to the lives of millions of people in the last 62 years – the tribals, the dalits, the leprosy patients, the youth and those at the margins. The hero of that story is Jesus who has called us to be prophets to go transcend our national boundaries. We know that this parish of Alphonsus Rodriguez has had a special relationship with Jamshedpur Province especially its two institutions at Chaira and Rerua.

I am sure there are millions of out there in Jamshedpur would have liked to come here and thank you for becoming part of their story. We two are here representing those millions of faces to express their gratitude and we know we cannot thank you enough.

Our special thanks to you for the support you showed during the anti-Christian violence in Orissa last year. Your financial support to the victims of the violence made a difference. Our Indian Central Government began to take action just because the people in the US put a tremendous pressure on our Prime Minister when he visited America then. We felt the tremendous consolation and support from the universal body of the Church. It taught us lessons of being a Church – the body of Christ.

In spite of the animosity existing against Christians in the State of Orissa, the threat to life and property did not deter the Jamshedpur Jesuits stop or postpone the creation of Orissa region. “Now or Never” “it’s to time to go” “It is the need of the hour” was the cry. Encouraged by the words of our own Fr. General and the pioneering spirit that we have inherited from the Maryland Jesuits, 70 of the 225 Jamshedpur Jesuits have opted to work in the new region of Orissa.

Christians are only 2.4% of the Indian population. In the Gospel we hear that Jesus did not claim monopoly on his message of salvation. He welcomed all who did his work even if they did not belong to his company. We too have learnt the lesson in the anti-Christian violence, of the inclusiveness of Christian faith and love. There were thousands of people – Hindus, Muslims, Parsees, Jains and Buddhists who supported us and stood by us. They have taught us how to work for peace – peace built on justice. Our primary effort in Orissa as we create a new region would be to join hands with those men and women who do a lot of good work for the betterment of humanity, for peace and justice. The Spirit of Jesus is alive in such people. They must be welcomed as friends and allies, never as adversaries. They are never against us, as long as they are in favour of all human beings, just as Jesus was.

The flame lit by the Maryland Jesuits will still burn and will kindle more fires. We have 73 young, energetic and enthusiastic Jesuits in formation. The future is bright and hopeful with your support and our hard work we can together partake in the mission of the Lord in bringing good news to the world – of freedom, peace, justice and human dignity.

The dawn of a new era of Hawk Hoops

Coming soon -- October 17th!

Philadelphia 76ers to Hold Training Camp at Saint Joseph's
Closed practices will run from September 29 through October 3

PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia 76ers will hold their 2009 Training Camp at Saint Joseph's, beginning on Tuesday, September 29.

The closed practices will be held at the Hawks' Practice Facility from September 29 to October 3.

The Sixers enter 2009-10 under the direction of first-year head coach Eddie Jordan. Former Hawk standout and head coach Jim Lynam is on Jordan's staff and now in his fourth year.
Saint Joseph's and the Sixers have been partners in the past as the NBA team held its daily practices in Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse until 1997-98.

Jameer Nelson Named to Sporting News' All-Decade Team

ST. LOUIS, MO. - Former Saint Joseph's star Jameer Nelson has been named to the All-Decade Team as named by the Sporting News in this week's issue.

Nelson, the 2004 Consensus National Player of the Year, was one of the guards named on the All-Decade First Team along with Jason Williams of Duke. The forwards were Kevin Durant of Texas and Joakim Noah of Florida, and Tyler Hansborough of North Carolina is the center.
The All-Decade Second Team consisted of guards Stephen Curry (Davidson) and Dwyane Wade (Marquette); forwards Shane Battier (Duke) and Blake Griffin (Oklahoma State); and center Emeka Okafor (Connecticut).

To keep up with your Hawks click, every day, Saint Joseph's University - Official Athletic Site and the Saint Joseph's Hawk Hoop Club Message Board.

Gesu's 12th Annual Symposium

Gesu's 12th Annual Symposium

When: Monday, November 2, 2009
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM



Where: The Gesu School - Sherrerd Gymnasium
1700 West Thompson Street
Philadelphia, PA 19121



Please RSVP by Tuesday, October 27th 2009. Call 215.763.9077 or contact karen.witiw@gesuschool.org

Rest in Peace Mrs. Manuel & Mr. Hartnett

Requiescant in Pace

Regina (Lafferty) Manuel

wife of the late Charles C. Manuel, mother of Charles David Manuel

Wake: 8:30- 9:45, Friday October 2nd,

Mulligan Funeral Home
11010 Knights Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00, Friday, October 2nd

Our Lady of Calvary Catholic Church
11024 Knights Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154

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Francis T. Hartnett

Longtime teacher at Holy Ghost Preparatory School

Husband of the late Kathleen "Kitty" Hartnett, devoted father of Francis, David, Andrew and Kathleen Hartnett, brother of Lawrence Hartnett.

Wake: 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Wednesday, September 30th.

Holy Ghost Preparatory School
2429 Bristol Pike
Cornwells Heights, PA 19020

7:45 to 8:15 AM, Thursday, October 1st

St. Paul's Catholic Church
1010 West 4th Street
Wilmington, DE 19805

Mass of Chistian Burial: 8:30 AM, Thursday, October 1st

St. Paul's Catholic Church

May their souls, and all of the souls of the faithfully departed,

through the Mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Fr. Rick Curry, SJ

Br. Rick Curry, SJ is now Fr. Rick Curry, SJ. He was ordained earlier this month at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Washington and celebrated his first Mass at Old St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Philadelphia yesterday.


Congratulations to this Shield of Loyola Recipient and my fellow Hawk alumnus! To find out more about Rick Curry, SJ, SJC '68, and what led him to the Jesuits, and ultimately -- to be ordained, please click A Different Call to Duty Saint Joseph's University SJU Magazine (pp 20-21). Special thanks to Molly Crossan Harty, the editor of the University Magazine, for helping to make the on-line edition of the magazine available so quickly.

For more on Fr. Curry please read the great blog: Good Jesuit, Bad Jesuit: Jesuit Brother Is Now A Jesuit Father.

Photos courtesy of Bill Rickle, SJ. Click to make bigger ;-)

The McIlhenny Ballroom

Scranton Names Ballroom for Fr. McIlhenny

On September 13, The University of Scranton dedicated a ballroom in honor of Rev. Bernard R. McIlhenny, S.J., SJP '43.

"Father Mac" served as Headmaster at Scranton Preparatory School from 1958 to 1966 and Dean of Admissions at the University from 1966 to 1997. He is currently Dean of Admissions Emeritus at the University and the Minister of the Jesuit Community on campus in Campion Hall.

The McIlhenny Ballroom is a multipurpose room located on the 4th floor of the newly constructed Patrick and Margaret DeNaples Center. It is the largest meeting space on campus and is used for assemblies, masses, meetings, weddings and much more.

New/Old Jesuit Chapel in MD...

Rebuilt Chapel Opens Doors Onto Maryland's Colonial Past

By Christy GoodmanWashington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, September 24, 2009

St. Mary's County Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron unlocked the pine and oak doors of the rebuilt Brick Chapel last weekend in Historic St. Mary's City, reversing the actions of the county's first sheriff, who locked the original doors under orders of the royal governor in 1704.

After living side by side with Catholics for years under the rule of the Calvert family, Protestants in the colony of Maryland led a revolution against the third Lord Baltimore, Charles Calvert, in 1689.

England appointed royal governors who moved the colony's capital to Annapolis in 1695, and under "An Act to Prevent the Growth of Popery within this Province," the Brick Chapel and other Catholic schools and churches were locked nine years later.
"It is nice to have the sheriff here with us and thank him for this time opening the church," Washington Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl told the nearly 200 people gathered in front of the chapel Sunday.

Wuerl said that the unlocking of the rebuilt $3.2 million chapel, after about 15 years of fundraising and historically accurate construction, was a historic moment and that people should take pride in the settlers' "vision and their foresight and their courage." The settlers worked to "establish a society, a civil community, in which everyone is free to worship who they chose," he said.

The rebuilt structure is a "visible, tangible testimony to the great human, inalienable right that comes to us simply because we are alive," he said. Jesuits built a wooden chapel first, not long after the Ark and the Dove ship brought 150 settlers to Maryland in 1634. That chapel burned down in 1645. The Calvert family took charge of Maryland in 1660 with the restoration of King Charles II and, in 1667, built a brick Roman Catholic chapel.

(Click title for the entire article)

Requiescat in Pace Fr. Schaffner

REQUIESCAT IN PACE
17 September 2009

Please remember in your prayers Rev. William E. Schaffner, SJ, who died on 15 September
2009 at Manresa Hall. He was a Jesuit for 73 years and a priest for 61 years.

The viewing and Mass of Christian Burial was held last Monday, September 21, 2009 at the Manresa Hall - Jesuit Residence, Saint Joseph's University.

Letters of condolence may be sent to:

Jeff Klug (grandnephew)
6616 Charles Street
Towson, MD 21204

John Schaffner (brother)
391 Love Court
Carmel, IN 46032

To read how one Jesuit remembered him please click The Spirit blows where it will , the blog of George Bur, SJ.

The Rev. William E. Schaffner, S.J., 91, a Jesuit for 73 years and a priest for 61 years, died Tuesday at Manresa Hall, Merion.

Born April 11, 1918, in Wheeling, W.Va., he was the son of the late Irwin T. Schaffner and Frances Lyonette. Following graduation from Central Catholic High School in Wheeling, he entered the Society of Jesus on July 30, 1935, and took his first vows July 31, 1937. After Juniorate (college) studies at the Novitiate at St. Isaac Jogues in Wernersville, 1937-39, he was sent to study philosophy at Inisfada, N.Y., 1939-40, and West Baden College, West Baden Springs, Ind., 1940-42.

Following his assignment as a Jesuit scholastic to teach English at St. Joseph's Prep, Philadelphia, from 1942 to 1945, he pursued theological studies at Woodstock College in Maryland, 1945-49, where he was ordained to the priesthood on June 20, 1948. From 1949-50, Father Schaffner completed his Tertianship at the Jesuit Martyrs Shrine in Auriesville, N.Y., and made his final profession in the Society of Jesus Aug. 15, 1952, at the University of Scranton.

Father Schaffner began his priestly ministry at the University of Scranton, where he was professor of religion from 1950 to 1956. He then held the position of professor of theology at Loyola College, Baltimore, from 1956 to 1964 and retreat director at Loyola Retreat House, Faulkner, Md., from 1964 to 1967. Father Schaffer returned to Baltimore to engage in pastoral ministry and retreat work at St. Ignatius Church, 1967-71, at Corpus Church, 1971-74, and then as chaplain at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, 1974-76. He served as a pastoral minister in Wernersville, 1977-78; Avalon, N.J., 1978-79; and Baltimore, 1979-93, where he resided at Wheeler House.

Due to failing health, Father Schaffner moved to the Jesuit Community, Wernersville, in 1993, where he prayed for the Church and the Society until 2008, when he was transferred to Manresa Hall, Merion, where he remained until his death. Surviving are his brother, John "Jack" Schaffner and sister-in-law, Bonnie, Indianapolis, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews.

19th Annotation

An incredibly thorough article about the 'Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius' in today's world, written beautifully by St. Joseph's University alumnus Tom Durso. For the entire article click The Heart of the Matter: Exploring the Spiritual Exercises - Ignatian Imprints. Enjoy.

A couple of years ago, when Helen Stewart became a campus minister at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, she began the fall semester by leading the Spiritual Exercises for a group of 20 students. Participants meet with a spiritual director and as a group once a week, and while college students may be the last group one would think is in search of some quiet contemplation, Stewart says some see it as an integral part of their time at Saint Joseph’s.

“They are looking for a closer relationship with God,” Stewart says. “What the Exercises do is help you realize how God is present in your life everyday. You just have to start to notice, to become aware, and that happens through the Exercises. Ten students signed up last year, and they all finished. The fact that they’re at a Jesuit university gets them -- they think, ‘This is part of the Jesuit experience; I want to do this.’”

Even the 19th Annotation requires a significant allocation of time, and Stewart cautions students who express interest to be ready to immerse themselves in the experience.

The HEART of the MATTER
Exploring the Spiritual Exercises
By Thomas W. Durso, SJU '91

In a culture in which e-mail and voicemail are now considered hopelessly slow means of communication, in which our children have busier schedules than we do, in which we have cell phone conversations while working out at the gym, in which we take our Blackberrys to the beach, in which the only permissible answer to the question “How’s work?” is “It’s busy,” it seems inconceivable that a nearly 500-year-old instruction manual that emphasizes prayer, introspection and slowing down should find itself enjoying unprecedented favor.

Yet it is precisely that hyperactive aspect of American society that seems to be driving the desire to return to a more contemplative time. Across the The Maryland Province and around the country, the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, that linchpin of Jesuit training, are being made by more and more lay men and women who wish to rediscover a relationship with God and spend some time, however brief, regularly delving into their own hearts and souls. The Society of Jesus has had to do some creative adapting to answer the call for more spiritual direction.

If the people can’t come to Ignatius, it seems, the Jesuits and their colleagues will bring Ignatius to the people.

ADAPTABILITY IS THE KEY

Two hundred pages long and written in the first quarter of the 16th century, the Spiritual Exercises are “a month-long program of meditations, prayers, considerations and contemplative practices that help Catholic faith become more fully alive in the everyday life of contemporary people,” according to Fr. Robert Egan, SJ , professor of foundational theology and spirituality at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash. The book of the Spiritual Exercises is not to be read through such as a work of non-fiction, but exercises to be prayed through, usually under the guidance of a trained spiritual director. The Exercises present “a formulation of Ignatius’ spirituality in a series of prayer exercises, thought experiments, and examinations of consciousness — designed to help a retreatant experience a deeper conversion into life with God in Christ, to allow our personal stories to be interpreted by being subsumed in a story of God,” according to Egan. They are divided into four separate parts:

• consideration of God’s generosity and mercy and the complex reality of human sin;

• an imagining of the life and public ministry of Jesus, his proclamation of the gospel, his sayings and parables, his teachings and his miracles;

• Jesus’ last days, his arrest and interrogation, whipping, public mockery, passion, crucifixion and death;

• Jesus’ Resurrection, his Ascension, and the pouring-forth of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and Christ’s continued life in the world through the Spirit today and in the Messianic people called and missioned to his cause.

Ignatius originally intended the Exercises to be made over a period of 30 days in silent contemplation away from home. Ever concerned with a spirituality that reaches people in their everyday lives, however, he recognized that not all who wished to make the Exercises could afford to carve an entire month out of their lives to shut themselves away and pray in isolation.

“If you look into the book of the Exercises, the first thing you see are 20 annotations, primarily notes, and the point of the 20 is precisely how adaptable the experience is,” says Fr. George Aschenbrenner, SJ, rector of the Jesuit community at the University of Scranton. “If you do the experience fully, Ignatius is clear that it takes 30 days, more or less. But in Annotation No. 19, Ignatius himself suggests another way of making the full Exercises for people whose work didn’t allow them to get away for 30 straight days.”

According to a translation of the Spiritual Exercises by Fr. Elder Mullan, SJ, the 19th Annotation begins: “A person of education or ability who is taken up with public affairs or suitable business, may take an hour and a half daily to exercise himself.” Ignatius then goes on to delineate specific topics on which to meditate and pray and includes specific lengths of time that the person making the Exercises should devote to it.

Requiescant in Pace

Requiescant in Pace

Carmela R. Lunardi

Beloved wife of the late Henry F. "Hank" Lunardi. Mother of Joseph M. Lunardi, SJU '82, Henry J. Lunardi, Esq. SJP '63, SJC '67, Richard D. Lunardi, SJC '75, grandmother of Mark Lunardi SJP '88, SJU '92, Timothy Lunardi SJP '95, and Kathi Lunardi SJU '94.

Wake

Monday, September 21st from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Donahue Funeral Home
3300 West Chester Pike
Newtown Square, PA

Mass of Christian Burial

Tuesday, September 22nd at 10:30 a.m.
St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church
220 Lawrence Road
Broomall, PA

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Fr. William King, SJ

longtime history professor at Saint Joseph's

A private Mass was held on September 5th at Manresa Hall for the SJU Community. His body was then taken to Georgetown University, where a viewing was held Sept. 7, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial.

Letters of condolence may be sent to his sister, Martha Cox, at 1500 Cochran Road, Unit 403, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15243.

Rev. William King, SJ, 81; St. Joseph's University professor

By Sally A. Downey
Inquirer Staff Writer

The Rev. William M. King, 81, a professor at St. Joseph's University and an expert on Latin America, died of heart failure Thursday at Manresa Hall, the Jesuit retirement residence in Merion. Father King taught in the history department at St. Joseph's from the early 1970s to 1994. "He was a gentle but exacting teacher," said Randall Miller, a colleague in the history department.

Father King, who was fluent in Spanish, was active with the Latin American Studies Program at St. Joseph's. He often spent summers and sabbaticals studying in South America, and ministering with the Jesuit communities there. He wrote a book about the history of Ecuador, where he spent extended periods of time, Miller said.

After leaving St. Joseph's, Father King lived for a year in Rome, where he helped edit an encyclopedia of Jesuit history. For 10 years, he was a prison chaplain and assisted the pastor at Immaculate Conception Church in Albuquerque, N.M. After retiring in 2005, he lived in the Jesuit residence at Georgetown University until last month.

A native of Pittsburgh, Father King attended Georgetown for two years before entering the novitiate in 1948. He was ordained in 1960. He studied philosophy at West Baden College in Indiana and theology at Woodstock College in Maryland, and earned a doctorate in Latin American history from the University of Texas.

Father King taught at Loyola High School in Towson, Md.; Loyola College in Baltimore; and the University of Texas before joining the St. Joseph's faculty. He is survived by sisters Martha Cox and Catherine Tovey. His younger brother, the Rev. Thomas M. King, a Jesuit priest and professor of theology at Georgetown University for more than 40 years, died in June.

Upcomg Events on Hawk Hill

SJU Formally Opens Doors to Autism Center


Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support to provide education, advocacy and assistance


PHILADELPHIA (September 18, 2009) — The numbers are terrifying – one in 150 children has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD); one in 94 boys; ten percent of all eight-year-olds. With nearly 70 diagnoses each day, the need for support is unquestionable.

Saint Joseph’s University will begin answering this call for help by opening the doors to its Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support on Friday, October 2, at 3:30 p.m. in the Campus Commons on the James J. Maguire ’58 Campus. Established with multiple gifts totaling in excess of $8 million, with lead support coming from Paul ’70 and Margaret Hondros, the Center will offer a unique mix of services to families, educators, practitioners and service providers.

“There are many centers and institutes where the specialization is on research and medicine,” said Michelle Rowe, Ph.D., executive director of the Center. “What’s missing is a safe place to turn to following a diagnosis; a place where the only agenda is to provide support and information.”

With its roots in the Jesuit mission of service and cura personalis, or care for the whole person, the Kinney Center will address the needs of those who struggle day-to-day with autism, either as individuals or caregivers.

To find out more click SJU News SJU Formally Opens Doors to Autism Center





MacLean Chair Brings Unique Outlook on Literature and Culture


When Joseph A. Brown, S.J., approached the podium as the keynote speaker at freshman orientation, few of the still-unpacking freshmen in attendance could have guessed that the man about to speak had himself only just arrived on campus. Brown is the Donald I. MacLean,
S.J. Chair holder for the fall semester. A native of East St. Louis, Ill., Brown has much to offer the University community. Holding a master’s degree in Afro-American studies and a Ph.D. in American studies from Yale University, he is an active lecturer in the areas of African-American spirituality, history and culture. He has also published numerous articles and six books, including
two works of poetry.

While at Saint Joseph’s, Brown will work in the English department teaching Literature and Culture: African American Spirituals and Literature, which he first began teaching in 1984 and calls his “signature class.” “I use the black sacred songs from the days of slavery and we study them very carefully,” Brown said. “By really digging into them, you’ll find that they are sophisticated texts that should be read critically as you would read any poem, novel, play, etc. The point is to show that there is an organic literary theory that can be applied to black literature.” Brown will draw from the sacred songs he teaches when he gives a lecture entitled “Plenty Good Room: Diversity, Integration and the Jesuit Tradition” on Nov. 12.



Coming soon on Hawk Hill...
DATE / EVENT / TIME / LOCATION


Sun., Sept. 20
New York Alumni Mass & Brunch
10:00 a.m.
Xavier High School

Thu., Sept. 24
Fall Career Fair
10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.
Hagan Arena

Sun., Sept. 27
D.C. Alumni Mass & Brunch
10:00 a.m.
Gonzaga High School

Mon., Sept. 28
President's Cup Invitational
All Day
Applebrook Golf Club

Wed., Sept. 30
Math and Computer Science Career Night
6:00 p.m.
Presidents' Lounge

Wed., Sept. 30
New York Council Panel Discussion:"So You Want to Work in New York?"
6:30 p.m.
Haub Executive Center

Wed., Sept. 30
Catholic Intellectual Series:"Exploring the Transforming Power of Faith, Reason, and Social Responsibility at the Jesuit University"
7:30 p.m.
Wolfington Teletorium

Thu., Oct. 1
Business Intelligence Networking Night
5:30 p.m.
Campion Banquet Hall

Fri., Oct. 2
Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support Dedication
TBA
Cynwyd Hall

Fri., Oct. 2 -Sun. Oct. 4
Family Weekend
All Day
Campus

Sat., Oct. 3
Dragon Boat Festival
All Day
Schuylkill River

Tue., Oct. 6
Risk Management, Insurance and Finance Networking Night
5:30 p.m.
Campion Banquet Hall

Wed., Oct. 7
Year of Service Panel Discussion
5:30 p.m.
North Lounge

Thu., Oct. 8
Criminal Justice and Government Networking Night
5:30 p.m.
North Lounge

Sun., Oct. 11
Catholic Doctrine Bootcamp
12:30 p.m. -3:30 p.m.
Campus

Sat., Oct. 17
Hagan Arena Dedication
TBA
Hagan Arena

Sat., Oct. 17 -Sun., Oct. 18
Head of the Charles Regatta
8:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
Reunion VillageBoston-side of the Charles River between Weeks and Anderson Bridges

Sat., Oct. 17
Boston Alumni Clam Bake
5:00 p.m.
Boston Sailing Center54 Lewis WharfBoston, MA 02110


Sat., Oct. 17 -Sun., Oct. 18
Head of the Charles Regatta
8:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
Reunion VillageBoston-side of the Charles River between Weeks and Anderson Bridges

Sat., Oct. 17
Boston Alumni Clam Bake
5:00 p.m.
Boston Sailing Center54 Lewis WharfBoston, MA 02110

Sun., Oct. 25
Catholic Doctrine Bootcamp
12:30 p.m. -3:30 p.m.
Campus

Tue., Oct. 27
New York CouncilCocktail Reception
TBA
Le Parker Meridien

Fri., Oct. 30
Executive Lecture Series:James J. Maguire '58
TBA
TBA

Fri., Oct. 30
28th Annual Alumni Galahonoring James J. Maguire '58with the Shield of Loyola
7:00 PM
Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue

Sat., Nov. 7 -Sun. Nov. 8
Alumni Pre-Cana Marriage Preparation
TBA
Campus

Tue., Nov. 10
Catholic Intellectual Series:"The Catholic University as Social Force: Dangerous Memories of the UCA Martyrs"
11:30 a.m.
Wolfington Teletorium

Sat., Nov. 14
Reunion 2009
All Day
Campus

Wed., Nov. 18
Law Alumni: Br. Sheehan and McClanaghan Awards
TBA
Campus

Sat., Jan. 9 -Sat., Jan. 16
Alumni Service Trip to El Salvador
All Day
San Salvador,El Salvador

Mon., Jan. 11 -Fri., Jan. 15
Ignatian Five Day Retreat
All Day
Various SitesWernersville, PA

Tue., Feb. 2
Catholic Intellectual Series:"U.S. Foreign Policy in Light of Catholic Social Teaching"
7:30 p.m.
Wolfington Teletorium

Sun., Feb. 7
Catholic Doctrine Bootcamp
12:30 p.m. -3:30 p.m.
Campus

Tue., Mar. 16
Catholic Intellectual Series:"Faith, Hope and Charity: The Future of the Catholic Mission to the City of Philadelphia"
7:30 p.m.
Wolfington Teletorium




Dan Joyce, SJ, seen here updating his busy calendar (what Ignatius could have done with an iPhone!), mentioned a unique opportunity for alumni. The Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus are sponsoring an immersion trip to El Salvador, January 9th - 16th, and there are about 5 slots left for SJU alumni. The approximate cost would be $1,100.



Seems like it would be a wonderful opportunity to follow GC 32's preferential option for the poor. Time will allow you to visit and pray at the graves of Archbishop Oscar Romero as well as the Jesuit Martyrs. If interested contact Fr. Joyce at djoyce@sju.edu.

"College is an enormous privilege."

"College is an enormous privilege."

This short sentence encapsulates the advice that author Ann Patchett imparted to the freshmen and recent transfers who attended Thursday's annual First Year Academic Convocation, the first of two bookend processions that will unite Boston College's sesquicentennial class. The newest members of the BC community wound their way from Linden Lane to Conte Forum bearing torches and holding flags from their respective residence halls in a march intended to unite the class of 2013 at the start of its shared four-year experience at BC.

University President Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J., introduced Patchett to the crowd with a suggestion for the freshmen in the crowd: "It's certainly my hope and prayer that just as we want to give life to you, we ask that you give life to the Boston College community. We're privileged to have you here - you're privileged to be at Boston College," he said.

And though the speaker he introduced wore an unassuming black dress and a motherly smile, Patchett had strong words of advice for the students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members whom she addressed. She said that her audience should feel lucky, not entitled, to be able to attend college, and a prestigious one at that, and to not take the experience for granted.

"College is not the place you come to grow up," she said. "You are grown up. You are old enough to get married and go to war with no one's permission but your own. You are responsible for your actions and accountable for your mistakes. You know, every last one of you, right from wrong, so do this right. Take very good care of yourselves."

For the entire article click "An Enormous Privilege" - Boston College Heights

Hawk Hill Hardwood -- new blog

"At Hawk Hill Hardwood, we are talking all things Saint Joseph's basketball. We will also cover other important happenings in the world of college and high school hoops. Throughout the year we will cover some of the biggest high school tournaments and events in the Philadelphia area."

Hawk Hill Hardwood Talking Hawk Hoops and More

A couple weeks ago I decided to start an SJU blog for fun. I know that 44 has one and it's a really good one. I was going to have mine focus more on the recruiting side of things. I know fully well that a lot (probably most) people on this list know a lot more than me when it comes to that. That being said, I do make it to a good number of games and tournaments and things. I thought a blog would be a good place to record all that stuff. For example, there's a big event in Voorhees, NJ on Saturday called Gym Rats Midnight Madness. I know that Malcolm Gilbert is playing. I also have an email out to the organizer asking if Quarles or Aiken are playing. And some 2011 and 2012 players as well.

If anyone has any suggestions for what they'd like to see on there, please let me know. I'm just doing it for fun and who knows how it will actually turn out. And again, please let me know if you have any comments or suggestions.

Thanks a lot.

Matt